Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1887-12-22
Stirginia free gress.
". W. B. GALLAHER, Editor.
oharlestolc,,, ,Jederson Coulty, West
December %. 1887.
PRESIDENTS s MESSAGE.
1 Condensed Report Of That Able DocW-
meit.


The President first discusses national fl
nances, which subject he says requires inn
mediate and careful attention. He recon-
mends 2 reduction Of revenues, aud the lift
ing Of the burthens OF taxation from the
citizens, and says the existing heavy sur
plus in the treasury prevents investments
in productive enterprises, threatens fnan-
cial disturbances, and invites schemes OF
public plunder.
He says that on the 30th day of June,
1885, the excess of revenue over public ex-
penditures after complying with the annual
requirements of the sinking fund excess.
was Sl7, $50, 1854 During the year ended
June 80, 1856, such excess amounted to
SIS, ,4O5, $500. and during the year ended
June 80, 1887, it reached the sum Of Sj5,-
567 7S4j.54 The annual contribution to the
sinking fund during the three years above
specified, amounting in the aggregate to
$l3S, S,05S, 1904
In speaking Of the tariff, the President
says 'It is not proposed to entirely relieve
thecountry of tariff taxation. Itmust beck
tensively continued as the source of the
governments income, and in a readjust-
ment of our tariff the interest Of American
labor engaged in manufacture, should be
carefully considered, as well as the prcser-
vation of our manufactures. 10 may be
cal ed protection or by any other name, but
relief from the hardships and dangers Of
our present tariff laws should be devised
with especial precaution against imPeriling
the existence of our manufacturing inter
ests. But this existence should not mean a
condition, which, without regard to public
welfare or a national cxigency must always
insure the realization Of immense profits
instead of moderately profitable returns.
We are in the midst Of centennial cele
brations and with becoming pride We re-
ioice in American skill and ingenuity, and
American energy and enterprise, and in the
wonderful natural advantages and resources
developed by century's natural growth.
And yet, when an attempt is made to justify
scheme which permits a tax to be laid
upon every consumer in the land for the
benefit Of our manufacturers, and quite be.
yond a reasonable demand for general uses
it suits the purpose Of advocacy to call our
manufactures infant industries, still need
ing the highest and greatest degree Of favor
and fostering care that eau be wrung from
Federal legislation. II is also said that the
increase in the price Of domestic manuiac-
lures resulting from the present tariff isnec-
essary in order that higher wages may be
paid to our working men employed in man
ufactories than what is called the pauper
labor Of europe. All will acknowledge Tie
force of an argument which involves the
welfare and liberal compensation Of our la
boring people. Our labor is honorable in
the eyes Of every American citizen, and a'
it lies at the foundation OF our develop
ment and progress, il IS entitled 10 The ut
most regard. The standard Of our laboren
should not be measured by that Of any 9th
er country less favored. But the reduction
of taxation demanded should be 30 measur
ed as not to necessitate either the loss 0
employment by the working man nor th'
lessening of his wages, and the profits stil
remaining to the MANUFACTURER, should fur
nish no excuse for the sacrifice Of the inter
est Of his employees, nor can the worker il
manufactures fail to understand that Will
high tariff Is claimed to be necessary t
allow the payment o. remunerative wages
it certainly results in very large increas
in the price Of nearly all sorts Of manuiac
tures. which, in almost countless forms, b
I needs for the use Of himself aud his family
. He receives al the desk Of tae employer hi
. wages, and, perhaps before be reaches hi
home, is obliged in purchase for iamil
use of an article which embraces bis labo'
to return il the payment Of the increase j
price which the tariff permits, the har
c earned compensation Of many days Of toi
q The farmer and the agricullurist wh
manufacture nothing, but who pay the in
creased price which tie tariff imposes uPo
every agricultural implement and MON a
the wears. Il invited 10 aid ia mainiaIHin
the present situation, and he is lolJ that
high duty on imported wool Is necessary K